HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN OKLAHOMA
Careers for pharmacy technicians are growing around the country. Opportunities are available in cities, suburbs, small towns, and rural areas because all pharmacies need techs to keep things running smoothly and to help patients. Technicians take inventory, handle phone calls, take payments, process claims, and package medications. [Leer en español]
In Oklahoma, you are not required to complete a postsecondary educational program to become a pharmacy technician. You only have to be registered with the state and be willing to receive on-the-job training from a licensed pharmacist.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACY TECHS IN OKLAHOMA
The requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in Oklahoma are easy to achieve and are set by the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy (OSBP). You must have finished high school or earned a GED, have good moral character and be physically and mentally capable of doing the job.
You must apply for a pharmacy technician permit through the OSBP to work as a tech. To qualify for a permit, you have to complete on-the-job training at a licensed pharmacy. This means it is up to you to find a pharmacy and pharmacist willing to take you on for training.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN OKLAHOMA
While a formal education is not required to become a pharmacy tech in the state, you may want to complete a post-secondary program for a few reasons. It will give you some basic background knowledge to help you do the job better and be ready for training on the job. A good program will also make you more appealing to employers and give you an advantage over other candidates. Here are some pharmacy technician programs options in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City. This program meets twice a week in the evenings for about two months and costs just $700. The cost includes three textbooks and 50 instructional hours. You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Tulsa Community College, Tulsa. In Tulsa, you can complete this program to earn a certificate in pharmacy technology. The coursework includes traditional classroom learning as well as hands-on technical training. This program admits high school students who are at least 18 years old and who have only three credits left to complete.
- Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater. Both high school seniors and adults can enroll in this Stillwater program. It is more involved than other programs and includes 600 hours of instruction. Tuition is $1,800.
- Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION IN OKLAHOMA
Certification is not required in Oklahoma, but you may want to show that you have the knowledge to do the job by applying for and receiving national pharmacy technician certification. There are two widely-accepted options: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Examination for Certification as Pharmacy Technician through the National Healthcareer Association. Each exam costs a little over $100.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is the leading certifying organization for pharmacy technicians in Oklahoma. It offers a voluntary certification exam that tests your knowledge and practical skills as a pharmacy technician. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, drug names, pharmacy laws and regulations, patient safety, and dosage forms. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician certification. You must renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education and paying a renewal fee.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS AND CAREER OUTLOOK
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual average salary for a pharmacy tech in the U.S. is $32,700. In Oklahoma, the average in 2018 was $30,790 per year and $14.81 per hour. The techs earning the most in the state made more than $41,990 that year.
The demand for pharmacy technicians is high throughout the country. Across all states, the projection for growth in careers for this kind of position is 12 percent between 2016 and 2026. For Oklahoma, that growth is expected to be a little less but still strong at nearly eight percent.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies throughout the state, under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. aaaa1aThere are pharmacies everywhere, although you will find more opportunities in denser population centers around Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Lawton. Look for jobs in grocery stores and drug stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and other residential care facilities.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Oklahoma?
- Mid-Del Technology Center, Midwest City
- Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater
- Pioneer Technology Center, Ponca City
- Tulsa Community College, Tulsa
- Platt College, Tulsa
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Oklahoma?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Apply for a pharmacy technician permit through the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy (OSBP)
- Complete on-the-job training at a licensed pharmacy
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Oklahoma?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Oklahoma made an average of $30,790 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $21,860 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $41,990.
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ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS
Northwestern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Area
High Plains Technology Center
3921 34th St, Woodward, Oklahoma 73801
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
High Plains Technology Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Woodward in Woodward County, Oklahoma. The college has in the region of 257 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education.* The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $1,582 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $400, although this will vary with the program.
Meridian Technology Center
1312 S Sangre Rd, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074-1899
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Meridian Technology Center is based at their campus in the town of Stillwater. This public college has in the order of 807 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Meridian Technology Center has institutional accreditation from the Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education.* The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 87%. The cost of tuition is in the order of $1,996 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,167, although this will vary with the program.
Oklahoma City, OK Area
Platt College-Central OKC
309 S Ann Arbor, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73128-1112
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Platt College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Central OKC campus in the city of Oklahoma City. The college has in the order of 200 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is about $15,420 for each academic year. Program completion is usually 10 months.
Lawton, OK Area
Platt College-Lawton
112 S.W. Eleventh Street, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501-3808
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Platt College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Lawton campus in the city of Lawton. The college has around 185 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is about $15,420 for each academic year. Typically, the program is completed in 10 months.
Tulsa, OK Area
Platt College-Tulsa
3801 S Sheridan, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Platt College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Tulsa campus in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The college has about 360 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. Platt College-Tulsa is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is usually about $15,420 for each academic year. Typically, the program is completed in 10 months.
Tulsa Community College
6111 E Skelly Dr, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-6198
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Tulsa Community College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Tulsa. Most of the school’s 18,640 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $2,606 and for students from other states around $7,048 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,248, although this will depend on the program.
Tulsa Technology Center-Lemley Campus
3420 S Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145-1390
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Tulsa Technology Center can be taken at their Lemley Campus campus in the city of Tulsa, OK. Most of the school’s 1,762 students are on short programs of under two years. The school is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* tuition fees are about $5,895 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,731, although this varies from program to program.
Tulsa Technology Center-Owasso Campus
10800 N 140th E Ave, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Tulsa Technology Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Owasso Campus campus in Owasso in Tulsa County. Most of the school’s 323 students are on short programs of under two years. Tuition fees are usually about $3,567 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $142, although this will depend on the program.
* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
See options in the neighboring states of Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.